GWB scandal: Ex-Christie aide Bridget Anne Kelly hires new lawyer

Christie announced that Bridget Anne Kelly, his deputy chief of staff, was fired.

The Christie aide who wrote the now infamous message — "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee" — has hired a hard-charging and prominent defense attorney to represent her as several investigations move forward.

Michael Critchley confirmed Wednesday that he was representing Bridget Anne Kelly, of Ramsey, Christie's former deputy chief of staff, who was fired after her message surfaced, setting off a scandal over apparently vindictive access lane closures at the George Washington Bridge in September. Critchley, who has won several high-profile cases, said he wasn't ready to discuss Kelly's case just yet.

"But I will in the near future," he said.

Kelly is one of 18 people issued a subpoena late last week by an investigative panel of state lawmakers. They have until Feb. 3 to produce documents related to the lane closures. The U.S. Attorney's Office is also reviewing the incident, as is the Inspector General of the Port Authority.

One of Critchley's most recent sources of acclaim was when he broke an eight-year streak of successful political corruption convictions by the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey. In that case, a federal jury found Ridgefield Mayor Anthony Suarez not guilty in 2010 of charges that he accepted a bribe. Critchley methodically undercut the credibility of federal prosecutors' key witness, Solomon Dwek, a convicted con man who posed as a crooked developer and offered bribes to politicians across the state.

Critchley also led the defense team that won the acquittal of the Lucchese crime family after a 21-month-long trial.

He replaces Kelly's previous attorney, Walter Timpone. Timpone stepped away from the case, citing a conflict of interest. He also serves as vice chairman of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, a position Christie appointed him to.

The joint legislative committee investigating the matter is also seeking documents from Christie’s campaign, his office, top Port Authority officials and members of Christie’s staff and campaign team.

The Christie aide who wrote the now infamous message — "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee" — has hired a hard-charging and prominent defense attorney to represent her as several investigations move forward.

Michael Critchley confirmed Wednesday that he was representing Bridget Anne Kelly, of Ramsey, Christie's former deputy chief of staff, who was fired after her message surfaced, setting off a scandal over apparently vindictive access lane closures at the George Washington Bridge in September. Critchley, who has won several high-profile cases, said he wasn't ready to discuss Kelly's case just yet.

"But I will in the near future," he said.

Kelly is one of 18 people issued a subpoena late last week by an investigative panel of state lawmakers. They have until Feb. 3 to produce documents related to the lane closures. The U.S. Attorney's Office is also reviewing the incident, as is the Inspector General of the Port Authority.

One of Critchley's most recent sources of acclaim was when he broke an eight-year streak of successful political corruption convictions by the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey. In that case, a federal jury found Ridgefield Mayor Anthony Suarez not guilty in 2010 of charges that he accepted a bribe. Critchley methodically undercut the credibility of federal prosecutors' key witness, Solomon Dwek, a convicted con man who posed as a crooked developer and offered bribes to politicians across the state.

Critchley also led the defense team that won the acquittal of the Lucchese crime family after a 21-month-long trial.

He replaces Kelly's previous attorney, Walter Timpone. Timpone stepped away from the case, citing a conflict of interest. He also serves as vice chairman of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, a position Christie appointed him to.

The joint legislative committee investigating the matter is also seeking documents from Christie’s campaign, his office, top Port Authority officials and members of Christie’s staff and campaign team.